Blue Falls to Vipers to End Season

“Obviously disappointed in the loss, but not disappointed in the season,” Head Coach Mark Daigneault said. “I’m proud to be part of the group, but obviously not the way we wanted it to end tonight.”

Oklahoma City led, 84-83, going into the fourth quarter. The Blue held its last lead at 91-90 behind two free throws from Dakari Johnson. The Vipers held Oklahoma City to 11 points for the rest of the quarter to come away with the win.

Johnson finished with 31 points and nine rebounds. The 31 points set a franchise record for points in a playoff game, besting Daniel Hamilton’s 30-point performance on April 10 versus Santa Cruz.

The game was well-contested throughout with 12 ties and 12 lead changes.

Oklahoma City held a slight lead, 28-26, after the first quarter. Dez Wells led the Blue with eight points and two assists off the bench in the period. Despite 13 points from Johnson in the second quarter, the Blue trailed 60-56 at halftime.

Wells finished with 13 points, three rebounds and three assists, one of five in double figures for the Blue. Thunder assignment player Josh Huestis added 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Daniel Hamilton contributed 16 points, six rebounds and three assists.

This wraps up a record-setting season for Oklahoma City. The team tallied a franchise-record 34 wins, finished as the regular-season Western Conference Champions and advanced to the Conference Finals for the first time under Daigneault.